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Fox raising diabetes awareness

Fox raising diabetes awareness

By Carrie Muskat
/
MLB.com |

CHICAGO -- When Ron Santo played for the Cubs in the 1960s and early '70s, he hid the fact he had diabetes. Fast forward to today, when Cubs outfield prospect Sam Fuld, who also has diabetes, is able to give himself glucose injections in the clubhouse and has the backing of the team's medical staff.

Jake Fox, who also is in the Cubs' Minor League system, wants to help coaches and young athletes understand diabetes and how it can affect their performance. He and his wife, Allison, have created FEWSIC -- "For Everyone Who Said I Couldn't" -- and they will host an event Dec. 28-29 in Greenfield, Ind., to raise awareness and money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Allison Fox has diabetes and had a difficult time getting her cross country coach in college to understand what she was going through. The purpose of a coaches clinic on Dec. 28 will be for Fox and others to explain the nuances of the disease and what signs to look for.

The next day, kids ages 8-18 can take part in baseball clinics on catching, pitching and hitting. Any kid with diabetes can attend the camp for free and will receive a new blood glucose meter.

There also will be a silent auction of items, including many autographed by Cubs players. All proceeds from the auction will go to JDRF.

The event will be held at Bandit Yard, an indoor facility where the Indiana Bandits Baseball Club is based, in Greenfield, Ind., which is east of Indianapolis. For more information or to register, send an e-mail to FEWSIC2008@gmail.com.

Fox, who was leading the Dominican Republic Winter League in batting while playing for Licey, will be back in time for the event.

Carrie Muskat is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.